Jon Gailmor — a 1966 Staples High graduate, one of the most legendary of all the school’s musical talents, and an official Vermont “state treasure” — died peacefully last night, at his son’s New Orleans home. He was diagnosed with leukemia 18 months ago.
Jon’s family sang and played music at his bedside — including the playful, upbeat “Gonna Die With a Smile If It Kills Me,” which Jon wrote 50 years ago.
Jon Gailmor
At Staples Jon sang in Orphenians, directed by George Weigle. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Jon and fellow Orphenian Rob Carlson formed a folk duo.
Their debut album — “Peaceable Kingdom” — remains a timeless classic for all who heard it.
But Polydor Records did not market it — or them — well. Disillusioned, the singers went their separate ways.
Jon spent time in Europe. In 1977 he moved to Vermont, and became an icon there for nearly 50 years. He was a concert performer, singer-songwriter, musical album creator, kids’ radio show host, and songwriting workshop leader for children and adults.
Jon Gailmor (left) accompanies a group of Vermont schoolchildren. His workshops taught them how to write songs — and perform them.
He recorded 6 albums, won numerous awards, was named a “state treasure” by the governor, and was Vermont’s representative to perform during the 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Jon received the Mayor’s Peace Prize in Burlington, and a Silver Citation from the Vermont Arts Council. In 1996 he carried the Olympic Torch through Brattleboro, on its way to Atlanta.
Jon was also a longtime moderator of the annual meeting in his town of Elmore. When the AP explored the role of town meetings in polarized times, they focused on Elmore — and Jon. Click here to read that story.
Jon Gailmor, at the Elmore Town Hall. (Photo courtesy of AP/David Goldman)
His ties to his adopted state were strong. He expressed his deep love for Vermont in his song “Long Ago Lady.”
Jon and Rob played together again 15 years ago, at the Staples Class of ’66 reunion. For all who were there, it was a magical moment.
Jon Gailmor (left) and Rob Carlson in 2018, at the Weston Grange. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Jon performed several times this past decade in Westport, most recently to a sold-out “First Folk Sunday” crowd at the Boathouse restaurant.
Last year, after Jon moved to New Orleans — where his son Aaron lives — for leukemia treatment, he continued giving back.
He wrote a song celebrating the staff at Ochsner Medical Center. The marketing department used it as the centerpiece of their “Heroes Work Here” campaign.
A celebration of Jon’s life will be held this spring, in his beloved Vermont.
